Keeping the Earth
Theme Verse: For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God.
- Romans 8:19
Creation waits, with the most eager longing!
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.
(I John 4:1a)
Even in the midst of sometimes huge environmental challenges in our world, we can begin to view "creation's eager longing" as a gracious invitation from our God. And we know that when God calls, God also supplies what we need, to fulfill that call. We are being invited to know ourselves more deeply, as God's children. We are being invited to more truly understand our place in God's world. We are being invited to go forth more hopeful, and inspired, to look for ways to "green" our homes and our congregations and more faithfully care for creation.
We testify to the hope that inspires and encourages us. We announce this hope to every people, and witness to the renewing work of the Spirit of God. We are to be a herald here and now to the new creation yet to come, a living model.
It is in hope of God's promised fulfillment that we hear the call to justice; it is in hope that we take action. When we act interdependently and in solidarity with creation, we do justice.
We serve and keep the earth, trusting its bounty can be sufficient for all, and sustainable.
- Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice (ELCA, 1993)
Daily Themes:
| Day |
Title |
Daily Bible Text |
| 1 |
Keeping the Earth |
Genesis 1:26 - 2:1 |
| 2 |
Keeping the Covenant |
Genesis 9:8-17 |
| 3 |
Keeping Life Abundant |
John 15:1-8 |
| 4 |
Keeping the Song Alive |
Psalm 19:1-4 |
| 5 |
Keeping Creation |
Luke 19:36-40 |
Introduction to the Theme
Biblical Interpretation
Week-at-a-Glance Chart
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